Which Pool Heat Pump is Best?

Whether you’re installing a brand new pool or making upgrades to an existing one, a major area of concern for pool owners is how to heat their pool. When it’s all said and done, ideal water temperature is all about user preference. Some like it under 80 degrees which is on the cooler side while others prefer warmer water. Part of the allure of having a pool is having a place to cool off on a hot summer day, but that doesn’t mean you can go without a heat pump. All Florida Pool & Spa Center has a large selection of pool heaters that can accommodate any situation for those in the Miami area.

There are three types of pool heaters that are generally used; gas, electric (Heat Pumps) and solar. Gas and electric are the most common, but as solar technology has increased, so has the number of people opting to heat their pool with solar panels.

Electric heat pumps are a popular choice because they are cost efficient, reliable and can heat a normal family swimming pool relatively quickly. Electric heat pumps extract heat from the air using coils, compressors and condensers and can be set to run automatically or when desired. They are more reliable than solar heat pumps for those that live in areas where it isn’t bright and sunny all the time and they are also considerably cheaper to run than gas heaters, although your local electricity prices should be taken into consideration. If you’ve got a pool that doesn’t get much direct sunlight, then an electric heat pump is a great option.

Gas heaters operate using propane or natural gas and can heat a pool or spa in very little time. Gas is more expensive than the electricity used by a heat pump but they can maintain your pool at a precise temperature in any weather year round. If you’re using a pool for therapy, keeping it warmer is generally better and a gas heater can help with that. Gas heaters can also be installed as a backup or supplement system to help keep costs down. All Florida Pool & Spa Center carries all the popular gas pool heaters like the Rheem Digital Low NOx and the Rheem Versa which are known for their durability and effectiveness.

With many people looking to switch to environmentally conscious lifestyles, many who live in areas with lots of sun are installing solar panels as their primary pool heating system. There are some great advantages to solar heating such as the extremely low operating cost after installation, but there are many drawbacks to take into consideration. First is your pool’s heat relies entirely on the sun so if it’s a cloudy day and your pool is slightly chilly, you don’t have the option to raise the temperature on a whim like with gas or electricity. Also larger pools need an equally large solar collection area, which many people choose to put on the roof of their home and that can affect your home’s aesthetics.

Give the pool heat pump experts at All Florida Pool & Spa Center a call today for more information about which pool heater is the best choice for your situation!